Biblical and Christian Counseling in 98292: Stanwood, WA.

When you're seeking professional help from a counselor, you want to be assured that you have a shared belief in spiritual values with that counselor. Whether the counseling is for you or for someone that you love, you want your counselor to share faith as a primary guide in the counseling process. At Mill Creek Family Services you can ask to be connected with one of our therapists with shared spiritual values. They will help you move through whatever issue you face with a faith perspectives to guide and enhance the healing process.

I am a Christian and definitely have view that there is a spiritual and not just a spiritual view. I am respectful or other peoples beliefs and do not think that therapy should be primarily talking about faith, because I believe that if people are paying for therapy it should be different than what they could get from their pastor or church. There are a number of things that cannot be explained just by psychology alone. Addiction, anxiety and depression all seem to have a component where this is a power greater than the individual afflicted them. God can really help a person heal and empower a person to get unstuck from these unhealthy patterns.

I am a Bible-believing Evangelical Christian of 40 years. Yet, I welcome people of all faiths or no faith because I am neither a priest or minister, but a counsellor here to serve you. I openly identify myself as a Christian, because I believe it's fair for you to know my bias. Therefore, if I am working with a Christian client, I will join you in open prayer as you request. If I am working with a non-believer, I will engage you at YOUR level of meaning and purpose. My goal is to help you break free of whatever is holding you back.

As a counselor who is a Christian, I value the integration of faith for one’s emotional wellbeing. You may have spent many hours reading and integrating the scriptures into your life, and yet, you find that your life is still without peace and maybe you question if God really cares about you. Our work together includes exploring the questions that you have and learning new ways to relate to yourself, others, and God, so that you experience God’s breath of life and hope. At core, my work with you is to hold to biblical foundations and walk with you on your journey of healing and redemption.

As a Christian it is comforting to know that your therapist has the same beliefs that you do. Feel safe sharing your concerns in a judgement free environment. Be confident that the changes you want to see as a result of working together will be mine as well. Better self esteem, healing from past friendships, couple relationships or family dynamics can be addressed and improved. Anxiety, depression, feelings of failure can all be changed. Understanding what troubles you and how to live differently is what I want to help you achieve. I offer a comfortable and confidential counseling environment. Located conveniently in North Seattle.

God’s love is abundant and unfailing. However, sometimes it can feel like it’s blocked behind a huge wall or He’s uncooperative. During life’s challenges and hardships, wavering faith brings about a complex paradox of anger and shame. If you feel this journey of faith is unreasonable lonely, I am here with you or your child to unpack the relationship between you and your God in a safe and non-judgmental environment. You are not alone, and He does not want you or your child to be alone.

In the midst of struggle, it is wise to draw on all your sources of support. To the degree that supports your goals and desires, I incorporate your faith into our sessions. I integrate prayer, scripture, and a Christian worldview with evidence-based psychotherapies. We will lean on the Lord to guide and participate in your healing journey. There is much we can do together, the important thing is to start. ..“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” Zechariah 4:10.

Faith and spirituality can provide comfort and meaning to those guided by their beliefs. I was raised in a Christian household myself so I have an appreciation for the values instilled by religion, the importance of tradition, and the strength of community. My approach to counseling is humanistic and welcoming of all spiritualities. Though I do not incorporate any specific pastoral counsel, I encourage my spiritual clients to draw on their beliefs during the counseling process.

When people incorporate faith and spirituality into their counseling, they often find deeper growth, understanding, and satisfaction. We may all have different approaches to our faith and may be in different places in our Christian walk and some may even feel like they want to turn away from their faith or that God has abandoned them. However, I feel that wherever you are, through a Christian approach to counseling, I am able to help clients see who they are and who they are meant to be in Christ, which is someone who is unique, worthy, and loved. It is my privilege to sit with clients in the darkness and help them know that there is no darkness too great for Christ’s light to shine.

Being a Christian certainly does not keep us from experiencing hard times, emotional struggles, illnesses, or relationship pain. My goal is to help you navigate whatever challenges you may be experiencing, either individually or as a couple, in a way that strengthens your faith and reminds you of the purpose God has for your life. While it can be incredibly hard to walk as a Christian in the world today, it is my belief that God will make a way.

I like to consider Christian therapy through a couple of categories. For many years we've confessed sins and truths to God and each other as the church; therapy is a place to be honest and seek what is true without having to hide anything. It's also a lot like what we find in wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs, Job and others) where hopes and fears and desires are voiced before God. These things bring us into relationship with God, ourselves, and others. This work is deeply connected to my faith- with it I can offer a helping hand in navigating life's difficulties.

As someone who considers himself a “Christian” counselor, I have to ask myself is there a difference between what I do and a traditional counselor? And if so, how would a client know the difference? Let me start with what clients should be aware of. Regardless of who you see, this idea of a counselor as being objective, neutral, and free of any moral bias is inaccurate. The core business of counseling as it stands today is about seeing someone to help you change your behavior (i.e. thoughts, feelings, actions). But I believe God wants more than behavioral change, he wants deep inner change that touches the soul of who we are. That is the work I strive towards, inner change.

We provide Faith-Based counseling where we understand your worldview. We do not preach faith but allow a safe place for you to bring your faith into counseling sessions. Faith is an important part of many people’s lives and we see this as a strength in life. We are here to support you, all of you. Svetlana, Amanda, and Reina provide this service if you request it.